Taking care of an elderly person or an ill person is very stressful, causing caregivers to suffer a high rate of burnout.

Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Loss of appetite or other eating disorders

Overly emotional

Feeling overwhelmed

Withdrawal

Isolation from peers

Losing focus at work

Lack of interest in appearance

If the caregiver is experiencing the warning signs of burnout, seek professional help with a doctor, therapist, social worker or a support group. Such professional guidance will help the caregiver learn how to take care of herself and meet the challenges of caregiving with an open mind and heart.

Action Plan

An action plan helps the caregiver get life in control and become a more effective caregiver. An action oriented plan for the caregiver’s health and well being will put an end to the burnout of caregiving. It is very important that the caregiver takes care of herself in order to avoid any signs of burnout. Use the suggestions below, as well as additional proactive steps, to begin the Action Plan.

Seek help with family, friends, and professionals

Allow the family to help and be involved in family decisions

Share the burdens of caregiving with others

Be prepared for the unexpected and for the expected

Understand the emotions of life as a caregiver: grief, anger, anxiety, depression, shame, guilt

Accept imperfections and flaws

Do not aim for perfection

Take care of physical and emotional needs

Take things one day at a time, one crisis at a time, one joyful moment at a time

Plan for the future

Research caregiving and being a caregiver

Set boundaries and learn to say “No”

Recognize when burnout is beginning and seek help

Community Help for the Caregiver

The caregiver has many options available to make life manageable.

Friends, family and neighbors

Transportation Services

Telephone Reassurance Programs

Home Maintenance and Yard Services

Senior Centers & Adult Day Cares

Care Managers and Social Workers

Homemakers and Personal Care Services

Home delivered meal programs

Home Observation Programs(available from utility companies and the post office)